View Position Qualification

6-509-1489

Name

Canine Handler - Explosives

Status

Published

Version

1.1

Updated

6/14/2023 12:35:42 PM

Original Release

12/20/2022

Last Major Release

NQS Position

Resource Category

Law Enforcement Operations

Primary Core Capability

On-scene Security, Protection and Law Enforcement

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

Canine Handler - Explosives is a person who has successfully completed a recognized course of canine handling in the explosives detection discipline and maintains those abilities through field applications; maintenance training; certification; recertification; and department, agency, or organization required continuing canine education

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

Canine Detection Team Explosives

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type	Description
Type 1	Same as Type 3 plus Type 2
Type 2	The Type 2 Canine Handler - Explosives handles one or more canines that are trained to detect and alert to the presence of explosives and explosives-related substances (e.g., propellants, oxidizers, precursors) for which it has been trained that may be person-borne
Type 3	The Type 3 Canine Handler - Explosives handles one or more canines that are trained to detect and alert to the presence of explosives and explosives-related substances (e.g., propellants, oxidizers, precursors) for which it has been trained that may be located in the environment

Education

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Applicable
Type 2	Not Applicable
Type 3	Not Applicable

Training

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. The acquisition and processing of odor/scent by the canine with an emphasis on air scenting 2. Education on the various environmental conditions affecting odor/scent dispersion with an emphasis on search techniques that maximize the chances for the canine to encounter odor
Type 3	Completion of an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)-validated training program that meets or exceeds the Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Explosives, American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ Academy Standards Board (ASB) Standard 092 that includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. Education on explosives safety to include storage, transportation, and handling 2. The ability to “read the canine” (recognize the canine’s change of behavior to particular stimuli) 3. The acquisition and processing of odor/scent by the canine 4. Education on the various environmental conditions affecting odor/scent dispersion 5. Canine handling techniques (e.g., voice inflection and lead handling) 6. Rewarding the canine 7. Education on cognitive bias 8. First aid for canine and handler 9. Fitness for canine and handler 10. Relevant legal aspects to include: a. Effect of odor/scent dispersion b. Relevant case law c. Preparation of legal documentation d. Preparation for courtroom testimony 11. Canine handler training may include techniques for collecting, handling, storing, and disposing of articles and odor/scent evidence as required by the canine handler’s organization 12. Search techniques Completion of the following training courses or an AHJ-validated equivalent training program that meets or exceeds training objectives of the following Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) courses: 1. AWR-333: Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Construction and Classification 2. AWR-335: Response to Suspicious Behaviors and Items for Bombing Prevention 3. AWR-337: IED Explosive Effects Mitigation 4. AWR-338: Homemade Explosives (HME) and Precursor Awareness

Experience

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3
Type 3	Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of canine search and other explosive-related hazards 2. Knowledge of capabilities and limitations of canine search 3. Understanding of canine search procedures in mission-specific operational environments Experience: Completion of AHJ-validated equivalent training program for Canine Handler - Explosives

Physical/Medical Fitness

The NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines physical/medical fitness levels for NIMS positions

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3
Type 3	1. Arduous 2. Meets minimum physical fitness standards, in accordance with AHJ Job Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT) 3. Maintains AHJ-determined medical standards suitable for the environment and job requirements 4. Licensed veterinarian performs annual examination on canine to verify the canine has no defects or illnesses that would preclude performing during deployments

Currency

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3
Type 3	1. AHJ certification for the named canine team (one canine handler with one canine) shall be valid for up to one year (365 days or 366 days in a leap year). Canine handlers with more than one canine shall be required to independently certify with each canine 2. The canine team shall perform regular documented maintenance training, periodic proficiency assessments, double-blind assessments, and follow other recommended federal, state, and local guidelines

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

AHJ validation is the recognized certifying authority as defined in Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Explosives, ANSI/ASB Standard 092

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Same as Type 3
Type 3	AHJ-validated certification that attests to the successful completion of an examination of relevant skills for the canine team

Composition and Ordering Specifications
The Requestor should be prepared to: a. Provide equipment such as programmable radios for inter-operable communications b. Provide a logistics plan for teams, such as security, lodging, meals, emergency veterinary care, and kenneling, prior to deployments of more than 12 hours c. Specify mission location and operational environments, such as the presence of failed structures, type of terrain, weather, and hazardous conditions

The Requestor should be prepared to: a. Provide equipment such as programmable radios for inter-operable communications b. Provide a logistics plan for teams, such as security, lodging, meals, emergency veterinary care, and kenneling, prior to deployments of more than 12 hours c. Specify mission location and operational environments, such as the presence of failed structures, type of terrain, weather, and hazardous conditions

1543

Notes

References
1. Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Explosives, ANSI/ASB Standard 092, First Edition 2021 2. Standard for Detection Canine Selection, Kenneling, and Healthcare, ANSI/ASB Standard 085, First Edition 2021 3. Crime Scene/Death Investigation – Dogs and Sensors Terms and Definitions, ASB Technical Report 025, First Edition 2017 4. FEMA, NIMS 508: Canine Detection Team - Explosives

1. Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Explosives, ANSI/ASB Standard 092, First Edition 2021 2. Standard for Detection Canine Selection, Kenneling, and Healthcare, ANSI/ASB Standard 085, First Edition 2021 3. Crime Scene/Death Investigation – Dogs and Sensors Terms and Definitions, ASB Technical Report 025, First Edition 2017 4. FEMA, NIMS 508: Canine Detection Team - Explosives

Version	Publish Date	Document Type
Published Versions
1.1	6/14/2023 12:35:42 PM	PDF
1.0	12/20/2022 9:26:31 AM	PDF